Translation, transcultural adaptation into Brazilian Portuguese and concurrent validity of the rheumatoid arthritis assessment scale (RAKAS-13/Brazil)

Abstract Background Knowledge of patients about Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a necessary aspect to better approach self-management support in a patient-centered manner. The research instrument known as the Rheumatoid Arthritis Knowledge Assessment Scale (RAKAS), consisting of 13 items, is simple, reliable and reproducible, and can be applied in both clinical practice and research protocols. Objectives This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the RAKAS vocabulary into Brazilian Portuguese and to evaluate its concurrent validity. Methods The RAKAS was translated into Brazilian Portuguese and administered to 52 elderly women with RA recruited between May 2021 and May 2022. Concurrent validity was assessed using the Spearman's correlation coefficient between RAKAS and Patient Knowledge Questionnaire (PKQ). Results The participants considered RAKAS-13/BRAZIL easy to understand and did not report any doubts in answering the final version. Concurrent validity of the RAKAS-13/BRAZIL was low compared to the PKQ (ρ = 0.283, p = 0.038). Conclusion The Brazilian Portuguese version of the RAKAS (RAKAS-13/BRASIL) proved to be a questionnaire that was easy and quick to administer to assess patient knowledge about Rheumatoid Arthritis, despite its low correlation with the PKQ in the present study.

Participating as a research team during the COVID-19 pandemic benefits mental health of undergraduate medical students in Brazil.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, undergraduate medical students (UMS) exposed to isolation, social distancing and complete or partial face-to-face educational activities interruption may present increased stress, depression and anxiety. This study was undertaken to evaluate if, during isolation, UMS involved in online group activities as investigators of a research project (volunteer group) would present better mental health than their colleagues, not involved in that research (control group). A Web-based survey, via the Google Forms platform, including details on demographic data, life habits, previous health conditions, worries with the COVID-19 pandemic, sleep pattern modifications and depression, anxiety and mental stress, using the DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale) was implemented from 20 July to 31 August 2020. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS version 20.0. A p-value <0.05 was significant. A total of 684 UMS were included, 228 as a volunteer group and 456 as a control group. Mean age was 23.15 (3.16) years. The groups were paired for age, gender, ethnicity, life habits and previous health conditions. Older age, male gender, participation in the research project, unchanged sleep pattern during the pandemic, lack of fear from getting the COVID-19 and lack of previous health conditions were associated with lower DASS21 scores (better mental health). Participating as investigators of a research project foreseeing frequent interaction with patients, colleagues and professors (other investigators) lead to better mental health during the COVID-19 quarantine in Brazil.

Epidemiological analysis of patients with psoriatic arthritis in follow-up at the brazilian Unified Health System

Abstract Introduction/Objectives Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic multisystem osteoarticular disease that requires specialized care. Most Brazilians depend on the public healthcare provided by the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde, SUS). This study aimed to describe the epidemiological characteristics of patients with PsA in follow-up in SUS, focusing on the incidence and prevalence of the disease, comorbidities, and hospitalizations. Methods We collected data from the Outpatient Data System of SUS (Sistema de Informações Ambulatoriais do SUS, SIA/SUS) regarding outpatient visits and hospitalizations in the Brazilian public healthcare system from January 2008 to March 2021 using the Techtrials Disease Explorer® platform and the medical code related to PsA were selected. Results We evaluated 40,009 patients and found a prevalence of 24.4 cases of visits due to PsA per 100,000 patients in follow-up in SUS. Female patients were predominant (54.38%). The incidence of visits due to PsA has been increasing in recent years and we observed an incidence of 8,982 new visits in 2020. The main comorbidities of these patients were osteoarthritis, lower back pain, shoulder injuries, oncological diseases, crystal arthropathies, and osteoporosis. Hospitalizations were mainly due to treating clinical or cardiovascular conditions and performing orthopedic procedures. Conclusion The number of visits due to PsA in SUS has increased in recent years, mainly on account of new diagnoses of the disease, although the prevalence found in this study's population was lower than that observed in the general population.

Assessment of risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease. / Avaliação de fatores de risco em pacientes com doença pulmonar intersticial associada à artrite reumatoide.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk factors for interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to evaluate the association of ILD with the use of methotrexate as well as with joint disease activity. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted between March and December 2019 at a tertiary healthcare center, in a follow-up of RA patients who had undergone pulmonary function tests (PFT) and chest computed tomography. We evaluated the tomographic characteristics, such as the presence of ILD and its extension, as well as joint disease activity. Functional measurements, such as forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), were also assessed. After this, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied in order to identify risk factors associated with ILD. RESULTS: We evaluated 1.233 patients, of which 134 were eligible for this study. The majority were female (89.6%), with a mean age of 61 years old and with a positive rheumatoid factor (86.2%). RA-associated ILD (RA-ILD) was detected in 49 patients (36.6%). We found an association of RA-ILD with age ≥= 62 year, male sex, smoking history and fine crackles in lung auscultation and a decreased DLCO. The indicators of being aged ≥ 62 years old and having moderate or high RA disease activity were both independent factors associated with RA-ILD, with an odds ratio of 4.36 and 3.03, respectively. The use of methotrexate was not associated with a higher prevalence of ILD. CONCLUSION: Age and RA disease activity are important risk factors associated with RA-ILD. Methotrexate was not associated with the development of RA-ILD in the present study.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os fatores de risco para doença pulmonar intersticial (DPI) em pacientes com artrite reumatoide (AR), bem como a associação com uso de metotrexate e com a atividade da doença articular. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo, transversal, realizado entre março e dezembro de 2019 em um centro de saúde terciário, no seguimento de pacientes com AR submetidos a provas de função pulmonar (PFP) e tomografia computadorizada de tórax. Avaliamos as características tomográficas, como a presença de DPI e sua extensão, bem como a atividade da doença articular. Medidas funcionais, como capacidade vital forçada (CVF) e a medida de difusão de monóxido de carbono (DCO) também foram avaliadas. Em seguida, aplicou-se uma análise de regressão logística multivariada para identificar os fatores de risco associados à DPI. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 1.233 pacientes, dos quais 134 foram elegíveis para este estudo. A maioria era do sexo feminino (89,6%), com idade média de 61 anos e fator reumatoide positivo (86,2%). A DPI associada à AR (DPI-AR) foi detectada em 49 pacientes (36,6%). Encontramos associação de DPI-AR com idade ≥ 62 anos, sexo masculino, história de tabagismo,crepitações finas na ausculta pulmonar e diminuição da DCO. Idade ≥ 62 anos e atividade articular moderada ou alta da AR foram fatores independentes associados à DPI-AR, com odds ratio de 4,36 e 3,03, respectivamente. O uso de metotrexato não foi associado à maior prevalência de DPI. CONCLUSÃO: A idade e a atividade da doença da AR são importantes fatores de risco associados à DPI-AR. O metotrexato não foi associado ao desenvolvimento de DPI-AR no presente estudo.

Avaliação de fatores de risco em pacientes com doença pulmonar intersticial associada à artrite reumatoide / Assessment of risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar os fatores de risco para doença pulmonar intersticial (DPI) em pacientes com artrite reumatoide (AR), bem como a associação com uso de metotrexate e com a atividade da doença articular. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo, transversal, realizado entre março e dezembro de 2019 em um centro de saúde terciário, no seguimento de pacientes com AR submetidos a provas de função pulmonar (PFP) e tomografia computadorizada de tórax. Avaliamos as características tomográficas, como a presença de DPI e sua extensão, bem como a atividade da doença articular. Medidas funcionais, como capacidade vital forçada (CVF) e a medida de difusão de monóxido de carbono (DCO) também foram avaliadas. Em seguida, aplicou-se uma análise de regressão logística multivariada para identificar os fatores de risco associados à DPI. Resultados Foram avaliados 1.233 pacientes, dos quais 134 foram elegíveis para este estudo. A maioria era do sexo feminino (89,6%), com idade média de 61 anos e fator reumatoide positivo (86,2%). A DPI associada à AR (DPI-AR) foi detectada em 49 pacientes (36,6%). Encontramos associação de DPI-AR com idade ≥ 62 anos, sexo masculino, história de tabagismo,crepitações finas na ausculta pulmonar e diminuição da DCO. Idade ≥ 62 anos e atividade articular moderada ou alta da AR foram fatores independentes associados à DPI-AR, com odds ratio de 4,36 e 3,03, respectivamente. O uso de metotrexato não foi associado à maior prevalência de DPI. Conclusão A idade e a atividade da doença da AR são importantes fatores de risco associados à DPI-AR. O metotrexato não foi associado ao desenvolvimento de DPI-AR no presente estudo.

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the risk factors for interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to evaluate the association of ILD with the use of methotrexate as well as with joint disease activity. Methods A retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted between March and December 2019 at a tertiary healthcare center, in a follow-up of RA patients who had undergone pulmonary function tests (PFT) and chest computed tomography. We evaluated the tomographic characteristics, such as the presence of ILD and its extension, as well as joint disease activity. Functional measurements, such as forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), were also assessed. After this, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied in order to identify risk factors associated with ILD. Results We evaluated 1.233 patients, of which 134 were eligible for this study. The majority were female (89.6%), with a mean age of 61 years old and with a positive rheumatoid factor (86.2%). RA-associated ILD (RA-ILD) was detected in 49 patients (36.6%). We found an association of RA-ILD with age ≥= 62 year, male sex, smoking history and fine crackles in lung auscultation and a decreased DLCO. The indicators of being aged ≥ 62 years old and having moderate or high RA disease activity were both independent factors associated with RA-ILD, with an odds ratio of 4.36 and 3.03, respectively. The use of methotrexate was not associated with a higher prevalence of ILD. Conclusion Age and RA disease activity are important risk factors associated with RA-ILD. Methotrexate was not associated with the development of RA-ILD in the present study.

Guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases: a Brazilian Society of Rheumatology task force

Abstract Objective: To provide guidelines on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRD) to rheumatologists considering specific scenarios of the daily practice based on the shared-making decision (SMD) process. Methods: A task force was constituted by 24 rheumatologists (panel members), with clinical and research expertise in immunizations and infectious diseases in immunocompromised patients, endorsed by the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology (BSR), to develop guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination in patients with IMRD. A consensus was built through the Delphi method and involved four rounds of anonymous voting, where five options were used to determine the level of agreement (LOA), based on the Likert Scale: (1) strongly disagree; (2) disagree, (3) neither agree nor disagree (neutral); (4) agree; and (5) strongly agree. Nineteen questions were addressed and discussed via teleconference to formulate the answers. In order to identify the relevant data on COVID-19 vaccines, a search with standardized descriptors and synonyms was performed on September 10th, 2021, of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, and LILACS to identify studies of interest. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess the quality of nonrandomized studies. Results: All the nineteen questions-answers (Q&A) were approved by the BSR Task Force with more than 80% of panelists voting options 4—agree—and 5—strongly agree—, and a consensus was reached. These Guidelines were focused in SMD on the most appropriate timing for IMRD patients to get vaccinated to reach the adequate covid-19 vaccination response. Conclusion: These guidelines were developed by a BSR Task Force with a high LOA among panelists, based on the literature review of published studies and expert opinion for COVID-19 vaccination in IMRD patients. Noteworthy, in the pandemic period, up to the time of the review and the consensus process for this document, high-quality evidence was scarce. Thus, it is not a substitute for clinical judgment.

Effects of Participating in a Research Project During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Medical Students' Educational Routines and Mental Health: Protocol for a Web-Based Survey Study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in social isolation, which has a potential negative impact on the educational routines (eg, the suspension of face-to-face appointments) and mental health of medical students. The Mario Pinotti II (MPII) study is a 24-week observational study that conducted scheduled telephone calls every 2 weeks to verify the occurrence of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic diseases on chronic hydroxychloroquine therapy (from March 29, 2020, to September 30, 2020). The effects of voluntarily participating in a research project (ie, one that involves interactions via telephone contact with patients, professors, rheumatologists, and colleagues) on the daily lives and mental health of medical students requires evaluation. OBJECTIVE: As medical students are professionals in training and have a high level of responsibility in terms of handling the emotional and physical aspects of several diseases, this study aims to evaluate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and participation in the MPII study on the educational routines and mental health of medical students. METHODS: A web-based survey was carried out to perform a cross-sectional comparative assessment of medical students who participated in the MPII study and their colleagues who were not involved in the MPII study. Participants from both groups were matched based on sex, age, and medical school. The web questionnaire was developed by a panel composed of graduate medical students, rheumatologists, medical school professors, and a psychology professor. The questionnaire included details on demographic and life habits data and evaluated participants' impressions of the MPII study and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their educational routines and medical training. In addition, depression, anxiety, and stress were evaluated using the Brazilian version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS)-21, and currently, the DASS-21 scores are grouped as those that indicate a low, moderate, or high risk of mental distress. This project was approved by the Federal University of São Paulo Ethics Committee (CAAE: 34034620.0.0000.5505). RESULTS: Data were collected from both medical student groups from July 20 to August 31, 2020. Data extraction was completed in September 2020. The data analysis is ongoing. We expect the results to be published in the first semester of 2021. CONCLUSIONS: This study will provide insight into the effects of participating in a research project on depression, anxiety, and stress, which will be determined by applying the DASS-21 to a large sample of Brazilian undergraduate medical students. We will also evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical students' educational routines and medical training. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/24617.

A Brazilian Cohort of Patients With Immuno-Mediated Chronic Inflammatory Diseases Infected by SARS-CoV-2 (ReumaCoV-Brasil Registry): Protocol for a Prospective, Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRD) are at increased risk of infections, including significant morbidity and high mortality. Considering the potential for unfavorable outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with IMRD, several questions were raised regarding the impact of COVID-19 at the start of the pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents the protocol of a study that aims to prospectively evaluate patients with IMRD and a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis (using criteria provided by the Brazilian Ministry of Health). METHODS: The study comprised a prospective, observational cohort (patients with IMRD and COVID-19) and a comparison group (patients with only IMRD), with a follow-up time of 6 months to evaluate differences in health outcomes. The primary outcomes will be changes in IMRD disease activity after SARS-CoV-2 infection at 4 time points: (1) at baseline, (2) within 4-6 weeks after infection, (3) at 3 months after the second assessment (±15 days), and (4) at 6 months (±15 days). The secondary outcomes will be the progression rate to moderate or severe forms of COVID-19, need for intensive care unit admission and mechanical ventilation, death, and therapeutic changes related to IMRD. Two outcomes-pulmonary and thromboembolic events in patients with both IMRD and SARS-CoV-2 infection-are of particular interest and will be monitored with close attention (clinical, laboratory, and function tests as well as imaging). RESULTS: Recruitment opened in May 2020, with 1300 participants recruited from 43 sites as of November 2020. Patient recruitment will conclude by the end of December 2020, with follow-up occurring until April 2021. Data analysis is scheduled to start after all inclusion data have been collected, with an aim to publish a peer-reviewed paper in December 2020. CONCLUSIONS: We believe this study will provide clinically relevant data on the general impact of COVID-19 on patients with IMRD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials RBR-33YTQC; http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-33ytqc/. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/24357.

Diagnóstico de espondiloartrite axial em pacientes com fibromialgia / Axial spondyloarthritis diagnosis in fibromyalgia patients

Objetivo: Avaliar pacientes com fibromialgia e dor lombar, bus- cando características clínicas de espondiloatrites axiais. Méto- dos: Neste estudo transversal, cem pacientes com fibromialgia e idades entre 18 e 65 anos foram avaliados. A avaliação consis- tiu em um questionário baseado no braço clínico dos critérios Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society para diag- nóstico de espondiloatrites axiais e um questionário de impacto da fibromialgia (Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire). Re- sultados: Quando o braço clínico da Assessment of Spondyloar- thritis International Society foi aplicado em pacientes com fibro- mialgia e dor lombar, 80% dos pacientes preencheram os critérios para diagnóstico de espondiloatrites axiais. As principais carac- terísticas de espondiloatrite axial foram dor lombar inflamatória, boa resposta a drogas anti-inflmatórias não esteroidais, artrite e entesite. Pacientes com critérios de espondiloatrites axiais posi- tivos apresentaram maiores níveis séricos de proteína C-reativa (p=0,00035). O valor médio do Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Ques- tionnaire para todos os pacientes avaliados foi 63,6, e não houve di- ferença entre os pacientes que preencheram os critérios e aqueles que não preencheram. Conclusão: Pacientes com fibromialgia e dor lombar frequentemente apresentam características clínicas de espondiloatrite axial, e aqueles que preencheram os crité- rios clínicos para espondiloatrites axiais também apresentaram maiores níveis séricos de proteína C-reativa.

Objective: To evaluate patients with fibromyalgia and back pain for clinical features of axial spondyloarthritis. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, one hundred fibromyalgia patients between 18 and 65 years old were assessed. The assessment consisted of a questionnaire based on the clinical arm ofthe Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society criteria for the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis and a questionnaire on the impact of fibromyalgia (Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire). Re- sults: When the clinical arm of the Assessment of Spondyloarthri- tis International Society was applied in patients with fibromyal- gia and back pain, 80% of the patients met the clinical criteria for diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis. The main features of axial spondyloarthritis in fibromyalgia patients were inflammatory back pain, good response to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), arthritis, and enthesitis. Patients with positive axial spondyloarthritis criteria presented with higher C- reac- tive protein levels (p=0.00035). The mean value of the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire for all patients assessed was 63.6 and there was no difference between patients that met the criteria for axial spondyloarthritis and those who did not. Con- clusion: Patients with fibromyalgia and back pain often present clinical features of axial spondyloarthritis, and those who met the clinical criteria for axial spondyloarthritis also presented with higher levels of C-reactive protein.

Revisiting hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for patients with chronic immunity-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases

Abstract Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, also known as antimalarial drugs, are widely used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases and have recently become the focus of attention because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Rheumatologists have been using antimalarials to manage patients with chronic immune-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases for decades. It is an appropriate time to review their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms impact on disease activity and survival of systemic lupus erythematosus patient, including antiplatelet effect, metabolic and lipid benefits. We also discuss possible adverse effects, adding a practical and comprehensive approach to monitoring rheumatic patients during treatment with these drugs.(AU)

Treatment data from the Brazilian fibromyalgia registry (EpiFibro)

Abstract Background: EpiFibro (Brazilian Epidemiological Study of Fibromyalgia) was created to study patients with fibromyalgia (FM). Patients were included since 2011 according to the classification criteria for FM of the American College of Rheumatology of 1990 (ACR1990). Objective: To analyze the therapeutic measures prescribed by Brazilian physicians. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study of a multicenter cohort. The therapeutic measures were described using descriptive statistics. Results: We analyzed 456 patients who had complete data in the registry. The mean age was 54.0 ± 11.9 years; 448 were women (98.2%). Almost all patients (98.4%) used medications, 62.7% received health education, and less than half reported practicing physical exercise; these modalities were often used in combination. Most patients who practiced exercises practiced aerobic exercise only, and a significant portion of patients combined it with flexibility exercises. The most commonly used medication was amitriptyline, followed by cyclobenzaprine, and a minority used medication specifically approved for FM, such as duloxetine and pregabalin, either alone or in combination. Combinations of two or three medications were observed, with the combination of fluoxetine and amitriptyline being the most frequent (18.8%). Conclusion: In this evaluation of the care of patients with FM in Brazil, it was found that the majority of patients are treated with a combination of pharmacological measures. Non-pharmacological methods are underused, with aerobic exercise being the most commonly practiced exercise type. The most commonly prescribed single drug was amitriptyline, and the most commonly prescribed combination was fluoxetine and amitriptyline. Drugs specifically approved for FM are seldom prescribed.(AU)

Relations between serum magnesium and calcium levels and body composition and metabolic parameters in women with fibromyalgia

Abstract Objective: Correlate serum magnesium (Mg) and Calcium (Ca) levels with body composition and metabolic parameters in women with fibromyalgia (FM). Patients and methods: Cross-sectional study compared with a control group paired by age and body mass index (BMI) of adult women diagnosed with fibromyalgia. All participants went through assessment of their body composition through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and had blood samples collected for dosing of Mg, Ca, C-reactive Protein (CRP), lipidogram and glycemia. Results: 53 women with FM (average age 48.1 ±8.2 years, average BMI 26.6 ±4.5 kg/m2) and 50 control women (average age 47.1 ±9.9 years, average BMI 25.6 ± 3.6 kg/m2) participated in the study. Serum levels turned out to have inverse correlation with CRP in the FM group (r = −0.29, p = 0.03) and with BMI and glycemia in the control group (r = 0.31; p = 0.02 and r = 0.48; p = 0.0004 respectively). Serum levels of calcium correlated with triglycerides (r = 0.29; p = 0.03) in the FM group and with glycemia in the control group (r = 0.64; p = 0.0001). Conclusions: In patients with FM, magnesemia turned out to have inverse correlation with CRP and calcemia had positive association with triglycerides.(AU)

Benzbromarone in the treatment of gout

Abstract Background Benzbromarone is a uricosuric drug that has been used in the treatment of gout over the last 30 years. Due to its potent inhibition of the dominant apical (luminal) urate exchanger in the human proximal tubule URAT1, it reduces the urate reabsorption, diminishing serum urate levels and therefore preventing gout flares. Main body of the abstract Through several clinical trials, Benzbromarone has been proved effective and safe, inclusive in patients with chronic kidney disease and as combination therapy with allopurinol. Due to hepatotoxicity reports, it was withdrawn from the European market by the manufacturer, however many authors have questioned the product's withdrawal due to a lack of clinical evidence in order to support its hepatotoxicity. Benzbromarone is still available in several European countries, New Zealand, Brazil and several other countries. Despite the product's marketing over more than 20 years after the first hepatotoxicity reports, we have found only five reports in our literature search, and no prospective or retrospective study correlating hepatotoxicity with benzbromarone use. Short conclusion Benzbromarone is a safe and effective molecule for the treatment of gout. However, due to in vitro and in vivo data related to hepatotoxicity, it is prudent to prescribe it with some caution, especially for patients with an already known liver condition.

Relation between magnesium and calcium and parameters of pain, quality of life and depression in women with fibromyalgia

Abstract Objective: Determine food intake and levels of serum magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) and correlate these minerals with pain, quality of life and depression risk in women with and without fibromyalgia (FM). Patients and methods: Fifty-three women diagnosed with FM and 50 healthy women participated in the study, where all of them had equivalent age and body mass index (BMI). All women underwent anthropometric assessment, physical exams of pain perception threshold and tender point (TP) count, blood sample collection, and filling out of FM impact questionnaire (FIQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and 3-day dietary record (DR). Results: Dietary intake of Mg and Ca was substantially lower by women with FM. There were no differences in levels of serum Mg and Ca in the groups under analysis. For the FM group, dietary intake of Mg and Ca had inverse correlation with TP and direct relation with the pain threshold. Conclusions: Although women with FM had lower dietary intake of Mg and Ca, serum levels for these nutrients were not different between the groups. Low dietary intake of minerals correlated with worsened pain threshold parameters.

Pulmonary magnetic resonance imaging is similar to chest tomography in detecting inflammation in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are prevalent complications of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and are currently the leading causes of death related to the disease. The accurate recognition of these conditions is therefore of utmost importance for patient management. A study was carried out with 24 SSc patients being followed at the Rheumatology Department of the Hospital de Clínicas of Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR) and 14 healthy volunteers, with the objective of evaluating the usefulness of lung magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when assessing ILD in SS patients. The results obtained with lung MRI were compared to those obtained by computed tomography (CT) of the chest, currently considered the examination of choice when investigating ILD in SS patients. The assessed population was predominantly composed of women with a mean age of 50 years, limited cutaneous SS, and a disease duration of approximately 7 years. In most cases, there was agreement between the findings on chest CT and lung MRI. Considering it is a radiation-free examination and capable of accurately identifying areas of lung tissue inflammatory involvement, lung MRI showed to be a useful examination, and further studies are needed to assess whether there is an advantage in using lung MRI instead of chest CT when assessing ILD activity in SS patients.

Prevalence of fibromyalgia in patients treated at the bariatric surgery outpatient clinic of Hospital de Clínicas do Paraná - Curitiba.

INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by generalized pain. It is known that obese patients have more skeletal muscle pain and physical dysfunction than normal weight patients. Therefore, it is important that the early diagnosis of FM be attained in obese patients. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of FM in a group of obese patients with indication of bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients were recruited from the Bariatric Surgery outpatient clinic of Hospital de Clínicas of UFPR (HC-UFPR) before being submitted to surgery. Patient assessment consisted in verifying the presence or absence of FM using the 1990 and 2011 ACR criteria, as well as the presence of comorbidities. RESULTS: 98 patients were evaluated, of which 84 were females. The mean age was 42.07 years and the BMI was 45.39. The prevalence of FM was 34% (n=29) according to the 1990 criteria and 45% (n=38) according to the 2011 criteria. There was no difference in age, BMI, Epworth score and prevalence of other diseases among patients who met or not the 1990 criteria. Only depression was more common in patients with FM. (24.14% vs. 5.45%). The same findings were seen in patients that met the 2011 criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of FM in patients with morbid obesity is extremely high. However, BMI does not differ in patients with or without FM. The presence of depression may be a risk factor for the development of FM in these patients.

Prevalence of fibromyalgia in patients treated at the bariatric surgery outpatient clinic of Hospital de Clínicas do Paraná - Curitiba / Prevalência de fibromialgia em pacientes acompanhados no ambulatório de cirurgia bariátrica do Hospital de Clínicas do Paraná - Curitiba

Abstract Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by generalized pain. It is known that obese patients have more skeletal muscle pain and physical dysfunction than normal weight patients. Therefore, it is important that the early diagnosis of FM be attained in obese patients. Objective: To determine the prevalence of FM in a group of obese patients with indication of bariatric surgery. Materials and methods: The patients were recruited from the Bariatric Surgery outpatient clinic of Hospital de Clínicas of UFPR (HC-UFPR) before being submitted to surgery. Patient assessment consisted in verifying the presence or absence of FM using the 1990 and 2011 ACR criteria, as well as the presence of comorbidities. Results: 98 patients were evaluated, of which 84 were females. The mean age was 42.07 years and the BMI was 45.39. The prevalence of FM was 34% (n = 29) according to the 1990 criteria and 45% (n = 38) according to the 2011 criteria. There was no difference in age, BMI, Epworth score and prevalence of other diseases among patients who met or not the 1990 criteria. Only depression was more common in patients with FM. (24.14% vs. 5.45%). The same findings were seen in patients that met the 2011 criteria. Conclusions: The prevalence of FM in patients with morbid obesity is extremely high. However, BMI does not differ in patients with or without FM. The presence of depression may be a risk factor for the development of FM in these patients.

Resumo Introdução: Fibromialgia (FM) é uma síndrome de dor crônica caracterizada por dor generalizada. Sabe-se que pacientes obesos têm mais dor músculo esquelética e disfunção física do que pacientes de peso normal. Portanto, é importante que o diagnóstico precoce da FM seja feito em pacientes obesos. Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de FM em um grupo de pacientes obesos com indicação de cirurgia bariátrica. Materiais e métodos: Os pacientes foram captados do ambulatório de Cirurgia Bariátrica do Hospital de Clínicas da UFPR (HC-UFPR), antes de serem submetidos à cirurgia. A avaliação dos pacientes consistia em constatar a presença ou ausência de FMG pelos critérios ACR 1990 e 2011 e também a presença de comorbidades. Resultados: Foram avaliados 98 pacientes, 84 mulheres. A idade média foi de 42,07 anos e o IMC de 45,39. A prevalência de FM foi de 34% (n = 29) pelos critérios de 1990 e de 45% (n = 38) pelos de 2011. Não houve diferença em idade, IMC, escala de Epworth e prevalência de outras doenças entre pacientes que preenchiam ou não os critérios de 1990. Apenas depressão foi mais comum nas pacientes com FM (24,14% vs. 5,45%). Os mesmos achados foram vistos nas pacientes que preenchiam os critérios de 2011. Conclusões: A prevalência de FM em pacientes com obesidade mórbida é extremamente alta. Porém o IMC não difere nos pacientes com ou sem FM. A presença de depressão pode ser um fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de FM nesses pacientes.

Pulmonary magnetic resonance imaging is similar to chest tomography in detecting inflammation in patients with systemic sclerosis / Ressonância magnética pulmonar é semelhante à tomografia de tórax para detectar inflamação em pacientes com esclerose sistêmica

Abstract Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are prevalent complications of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and are currently the leading causes of death related to the disease. The accurate recognition of these conditions is therefore of utmost importance for patient management. A study was carried out with 24 SSc patients being followed at the Rheumatology Department of the Hospital de Clínicas of Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR) and 14 healthy volunteers, with the objective of evaluating the usefulness of lung magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when assessing ILD in SS patients. The results obtained with lung MRI were compared to those obtained by computed tomography (CT) of the chest, currently considered the examination of choice when investigating ILD in SS patients. The assessed population was predominantly composed of women with a mean age of 50 years, limited cutaneous SS, and a disease duration of approximately 7 years. In most cases, there was agreement between the findings on chest CT and lung MRI. Considering it is a radiation-free examination and capable of accurately identifying areas of lung tissue inflammatory involvement, lung MRI showed to be a useful examination, and further studies are needed to assess whether there is an advantage in using lung MRI instead of chest CT when assessing ILD activity in SS patients.

Resumo A doença intersticial pulmonar (DIP) e a hipertensão arterial pulmonar (HAP) são complicações prevalentes na esclerose sistêmica (ES) e constituem atualmente as principais causas de morte relacionadas à doença. O reconhecimento preciso dessas condições é, portanto, de fundamental importância no manejo dos pacientes. Fez-se um estudo com 24 pacientes com ES em acompanhamento no serviço de reumatologia do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR) e 14 voluntários sadios com objetivo de avaliar a utilidade do exame de ressonância magnética (RM) do pulmão na avaliação da DIP em pacientes com ES. Os resultados obtidos com a RM pulmonar foram comparados com os obtidos na tomografia computadorizada (TC) de tórax, exame atualmente considerado de eleição na investigação da DIP em pacientes com ES. A população avaliada era predominantemente composta por mulheres com idade média de 50 anos, ES cutânea limitada e tempo de doença de aproximadamente sete anos. Na maioria dos casos, houve concordância entre os achados na TC de tórax e RM do pulmão. Em se tratando de um exame isento de radiação e capaz de identificar com adequada precisão áreas de acometimento inflamatório do tecido pulmonar, a RM do pulmão de revelou um exame útil. São necessários mais estudos para avaliar se há vantagem da RM do pulmão sobre a TC de tórax na avaliação da atividade da DIP em pacientes com ES.

Critical revision of the medical treatment of gout in Brazil / Revisão crítica do tratamento medicamentoso da gota no Brasil

ABSTRACT Gout is considered the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in men over 40 years. The authors present a brief review of the current treatment of gout and discuss the existing pharmacological limitations in Brazil for the treatment of this disease. Although allopurinol is still the main drug administered for decreasing serum levels of uric acid in gout patients in this country, the authors also present data that show a great opportunity for the Brazilian drug market for the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout and especially for patients using private and public (SUS) health care systems.

RESUMO A gota é considerada a forma mais comum de artrite inflamatória em homens acima de 40 anos. Os autores apresentam uma breve revisão sobre o tratamento atual da gota e discutem as limitações farmacológicas existentes no Brasil para o tratamento dessa enfermidade. Apesar de o alopurinol ainda ser a principal medicação para a redução dos níveis de uricemia de pacientes com gota no país, os autores também apresentam dados que apontam para uma grande oportunidade para o mercado farmacológico brasileiro em relação ao tratamento da hiperuricemia e da artrite gotosa e especialmente para pacientes usuários de sistemas privados de saúde e do SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde).